A major update has emerged on Newcastle United's search for a director of football...

What's the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Seagulls chief is 'expected' to join the Magpies in the coming weeks, leaving his role as technical director at the Premier League side.

This comes after The Athletic reported earlier this week that Newcastle had been given permission to speak with the former Three Lions man.

Ecstatic

Newcastle fans will surely be left ecstatic by this news as it is a major development in the club's pursuit of a director of football. The report claiming that they were set for talks with Ashworth was promising and may have provided a sense of hope for the supporters, but this latest claim appears to suggest that the move is almost set in stone and he will be arriving at St. James' Park.

It remains to be seen exactly when he will start his role and whether or not he will have any impact on the upcoming transfer window, but it is excellent news that they are on the verge of securing a man to lead the club forward.

He can now work with Eddie Howe to create a culture on and off the pitch on Tyneside, making sure that everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Newcastle are in a difficult position in the Premier League and they may be in need of a complete overhaul, which would require a competent director of football who is able to sculpt the club's future.

Is he the man to do that? Brighton reporter Aden-Jay Wood Tweeted: "If Dan Ashworth goes (which I think he will), it will be a huge shame. Ashworth has almost singlehandedly changed Brighton’s approach both on and off the field and would be very, very difficult to replace."

This suggests that the former FA chief would be perfect for the Magpies as he is able to alter the DNA of a club both in terms of their performances in matches and how they operate behind the scenes. He was also praised for his part in creating a winning mentality during his time with England, showing that he has been successful in both of his last two jobs.

Therefore, fans will be ecstatic to see someone with his pedigree and experience come through the door to build Newcastle back up to where they belong. They are 19th in the Premier League table as it stands and Ashworth could be the man to take them back to the glory days...

AND in other news, Hammond could seal instant NUFC masterclass by signing "outstanding" £15m "animal"...